Important Facts On Geothermal Heating & Cooling Systems

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| Published:November 3, 2010

Homeowners across the country are becoming more interested in geothermal heating and cooling systems, and for good reason. Geothermal systems are an economical way to heat or cool a home using the heat stored naturally in the ground.
The system, which uses a geothermal heat pump to pump water or other liquid through pipes, is built into the ground next to the home. The pipes are buried in a continuous loop, constructed either vertically or horizontally, and are especially important to the heating or cooling process.

When the house is cool, the heating process actually uses the heat from the earth to help heat the structure. The liquid in the pipes will be heated by ground temperature, and then distributed into the structure. When the house is warm, the process is reversed; the liquid collects the heat from the structure and pumps it into the ground, letting the earth absorb the heat and cool the liquid naturally.

Installing geothermal heating and cooling systems helps home and business owners save thousands of dollars over the years on utility bills. These systems are cost effective, run quietly and efficiently, and are incredibly long lasting. One system can have 300-400 percent efficiency per one unit of electricity used to power the system!

The equipment for these systems tends to last around 25-30 years, which is roughly 25-30 percent longer than traditional heating and cooling systems. If left undisturbed, the loops in the ground can be expected to last anywhere from 50-100 years. For a 3,000 square foot house, the homeowner could save over $200,000 or more during the lifespan of the system.

Geothermal heating and cooling systems are used in over 400,000 residences, schools, and businesses across the United States today. These systems are considered to be among the most environmentally friendly and efficient heating and cooling systems in the country by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, which in 1993 released the following statement regarding geothermal systems:

“The most energy-efficient, environmentally clean and cost-effective space conditioning system that produces the lowest carbon dioxide emissions of all space heating and cooling technologies.”

Homeowners who operate these heating and cooling systems also experience better air quality, reduced pollution, and less noise.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about geothermal heating and cooling systems and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Solutions Guide.

Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning serves the Route 495/128 area of Massachusetts. To get started, check out our website or see our current promotions.